It truly is a pity—for superficial reasons, and for weighty ones also—that Joan Rivers passed away when she did. Her Fashion Police should be harping all over this U.S. Open's garb, both on and off the court, from day-session disasters to starry nights.
Much light has been made of certain players' attire at this U.S. Open, but perhaps no one has received the brunt of stylish quipping quite like Caroline Wozniacki has. And that's for good reason, probably. Her flesh-toned dress is an unmitigated mess from Stella McCartney for Adidas, one of the Spin's fashion faults at this season's Grand Slam finale.
Perhaps Wesley Morris, writing for Grantland, has put it best:
"There’s almost nothing cute in women’s tennis anymore. It’s been banished. [Maria] Sharapova believes in glamour. Sometimes her sportswear is chic, but above all, it’s practical, simple, and forgettable. On Sunday, she grew frustrated with the humid, swirling conditions—and presumably with Wozniacki’s cleverness and intelligence, and herself. Attire should have been the furthest thing from her mind. But I imagine it’s hard to see Wozniacki sitting around the players’ lounge in that dress and not wonder, just a bit, whether she knows she’s not about to go out and skate a free program."
Yes, New York Fashion Week is upon us, and yes, Anna Wintour seems to be paying rent at Arthur Ashe Stadium these two weeks, she's been seen there so frequently. But style is subjective. It's in the eye of the beholder. Wozniacki may be wearing something fashionable, or something truly garish, or both. What matters most to her right now is that she's back in the final of a major tournament, something she hadn't achieved since 2009.
After Rory McIlroy's unceremonious ending of an engagement to her, and his own capture of two major PGA titles in the wake of that, it would be a fantastic finish to this year of Slams if "Sweet Caroline," a lover of desserts from Cheesecake Factory, can pull out the ultimate victory in New York City. That would be the cherry topping.
Got a tip or a point to make? Hit me on Twitter at @jonscott9.